Sandusky board approves variance for 6-foot side-yard fence at 518 Pearl Street

The Sandusky Boards & Commissions approved a zoning variance to allow a 6-foot fence in the side yard at 518 Pearl Street, a two-foot relief from the 4-foot maximum.

Staff told the board the proposed fence replaces an existing six-foot structure and would meet all other zoning requirements if the applicant obtains the necessary permits. "Staff recommends approval with the following condition: all applicable permits are obtained through the building department, engineering department, and any other applicable agency prior to construction," planning staff said.

Michael Steiner, who identified himself at the hearing as associated with 518 Pearl Street, told the board, "We're trying to better our property by replacing the current fence." He said the new material will be an interlock plastic with aluminum uprights to avoid future rot.

Chair John Fike called for a roll call vote after a motion to approve. Member Greg Pujio, Chair John Fike and member Dan Delahunt each voted yes; the variance was approved. The board directed the applicant to obtain required building and engineering permits before beginning construction and to contact Adam in the planning department with questions.

The application file as introduced to the board lists the applicant name as Mike Osterheimer and notes an ownership/address detail in the record; the person who testified identified himself as Michael Steiner at the hearing. The record states the variance request is for property at 518 Pearl Street, and staff noted the existing fence had been at six feet since the late 1990s.